A giant cartoon bear smiled at an overly aggressive dog. I'm sure other people saw different things that day, but that was my opinion of Jesse Ryder the first time I saw him. He'd just dry-heaved James Anderson to the leg side and this made Anderson remarkably angry. Perhaps Anderson thought he could get into the new guy's head but instead he gave me a new favourite player as Jesse just cheekily grinned at him.

It wasn't the grin of some nervous debutant. Jesse obviously believed he belonged, and was finding Anderson's histrionics pretty damn funny. There was just something different about Jesse Ryder. You didn't have to make a joke about his weight to see he wasn't a cookie-cutter type young cricketer. Jesse was different.

Before he'd played, my introduction was through Adam Parore saying that there was a batsman who was too fat to play for New Zealand. This instantly appealed to me. Perhaps because I never liked Parore, or because I was craving another BBB (Big Beautiful Batsman). Parore's comments made a few headlines, but the New Zealand selectors didn't seem to take them too seriously and before long Jesse had been picked for New Zealand.

Jesse may not have smashed England everywhere that series, but he could obviously play. Through the off side he was a dream. For a big guy he didn't rely on brutality much at all. His timing was extraordinary. His hands were remarkably soft, almost delicate. And his shots could be almost feminine at times. Through the off side he was like Sourav Ganguly in a fat suit. Elegant, delicate and strong. Like a rugged, more man-of-the-people version of David Gower.

Gower was also a bit different to the norm, however, Gower never cut open his hand in a nightclub while trying to break into a toilet. Gower probably never told a nurse he was the future of New Zealand cricket. Jesse was talented, but the troubling signs didn't take long to show up.

While his hand was still healing there was talk he wouldn't make it as a Test batsman. His temperament was not suited to the format. To me that always seemed like nonsense. Forget the off-field problems, purely as a batsman he was born to play Test cricket. He was a batsman far more than a hitter, and his skill would be suited to any form of cricket. All he had to do was get his chance on the field and stop stuffing up off of it.

When he drunkenly claimed he was the future of New Zealand cricket, he wasn't wrong. New Zealand have a good mix of hard-working professionals who come together to form a decent side that, when all on song, can upset far better sides. But they don't have many players of Jesse's talent. You don't keep a player out of Test cricket because he's a young guy who enjoys eating and drinking too much.

His first Test was against Bangladesh, and was largely uneventful, but in his second he made 91. It was astonishing, but somehow this wild man off the field had kept his temperament well enough to at least make a Test-match 90 without punching anything.

Off the field his temperament hadn't improved. He was banned from the national team after missing some team meetings in a series against West Indies. New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan went out of his way to assure everyone that Jesse wouldn't be cast aside, that he'd be taken into the loving bosom of NZC and taken care of. Aaron Klee, Ryder's manager, did his least favourite thing and fronted up to the media to tell them that Jesse had decided to go cold turkey on the drinking.

This was followed by India's tour of New Zealand. A series where Jesse didn't just look like a Test batsman, he looked exactly like what he had told that nurse he was. The future of New Zealand cricket.
First Test, Seddon Park, first innings, New Zealand collapse to 60 for 6. And while his captain, Dan Vettori, is playing his unorthodox, aggressive shots, Jesse is playing shots so sexy it makes you weep to watch them. Jesse was reaching the off-side boundary like India had forgotten to put fielders there.

Jesse never looked like a batsman without a Test hundred; he looked like a guy who was ready to be a huge deal in cricket. As he closed in on his milestone, Vettori went out and Jesse was left with the tail. Now, batting with the tail as you go for your maiden Test century is probably not ideal, but with New Zealand's tail it's even more scary. Because you know you only have ten batsmen and Chris Martin. If you parked a kid's tricycle in front of the stumps with a bat taped to it, it would average more than 2.43.

Luckily for Jesse, his batting partner was still Iain O'Brien, his Wellington team-mate who seemed to be doing everything in his fairly limited powers to get Jesse over the line. Until he danced down the wicket like a drunken debutante to be stumped by a foot, though it felt like two pitch lengths. Maybe more. To this day O'Brien claims he was trying to get Jesse on strike. If he was, it was perhaps the world's most misguided attempt to help a friend, the cricket equivalent of pushing someone in front of a train to get them to their destination quicker.

When he drunkenly claimed he was the future of New Zealand cricket, he wasn't wrong. New Zealand have a good mix of hard-working professionals who come together to form a decent side that, when all on song, can upset far better sides. But they don't have many players of Jesse's talent

Jesse was on 98 when Martin walked in. India did what you do when Martin is at the crease: bring in the field and start to giggle. Martin played and missed, looked like it was his first time with the bat, thrust out his body in what he assumed was the way a normal batsman would, used that weird batting face he has, and had one ball caught close, in from his pad.

At the other end, Jesse laughed. He giggled. He smiled.

I can only imagine what a normal batsman would do in this situation. His face would be clenched like he was going through violent constipation; Jesse looked like he was watching a stand-up show. He was enjoying the situation as much as everyone else was. I couldn't believe a batsman two runs from his Test hundred would be so relaxed and find the situation so humourous.

Somehow Martin lasted the over.

The first ball next over Jesse played a slightly uglier-than-usual Jesse Ryder swivel-hip pull-shot to bring up his hundred. Next ball he was out. Jesse was a Test match batsman.

In the following Test he made a double-century. By the end of the series he was averaging over 50 in Test cricket. Jesse had also booked a place in the IPL. So it wasn't just me who loved Jesse, everyone was jumping on board.

In the IPL, Jesse had another bad episode. His cold turkey turned to a drunken incident that Klee originally denied happened. Maybe the press over-reported it, but Jesse certainly was drinking again. Shortly after, Jesse had to pull out of the World Twenty20 because of a groin injury. There were also stories about wild house parties. More injuries. A broken chair that lead to discipline. And the occasional good knock thrown in.

It was now harder to follow Jesse's career. Even when he did play a game, it was sort of a surprise because he'd be out for so long. When Jesse would play, he'd still show the odd sign of his natural talent, but he never seemed to be around for long before another injury got hold of him. For me he sort of faded into the background. I still loved watching him bat, but just working out when he was in the team was hard enough.

That's why I didn't even watch the New Zealand-South Africa Twenty20 on the 22nd February. It was the third in the series, and I didn't have much interest in the first two, so the third was hardly on my mind. I knew Jesse was back playing, but I didn't realise how close he had been to a call-up. And I missed the game. Once I heard about Jesse's role in that game I had to watch the replay. At the start of his innings he felt like normal, if not slightly eager, Jesse, racing to 48 off 27 balls. It wasn't his best innings; it was equal parts brilliance, luck and belligerence.

Then the man who smirked at James Anderson and laughed at Chris Martin changed.

From 48 to 50, Jesse took 10 balls. He didn't defend or leave balls, but something was different. The need for a comeback fifty could have got to him. He would have wanted to prove that he was still the Jesse of old. Perhaps he just wasn't ready, and in the middle overs when the pressure was off he was able to capitalise on a good start without thinking too much. But something did change. He wasn't free-flowing, looked frustrated and far from carefree. He was batting like something else was bothering him. He lost his timing and patience. His hands seemed harder and heavier. It was unsettling to watch him go through it.
And the winning position he had put New Zealand in was fading away.

Jesse's last five balls were truly awful: He skies a ball that should have been caught, and takes a single. Faces a dot ball next delivery, then takes a single when Franklin wants two. Gets back on strike and faces another dot ball. Then tries to lap-scoop Johan Botha to beat a short fine leg that you'd imagine would have been hard to clear off Botha's quickest ball. It was bizarre, nervous and ugly, nothing like the old Jesse.

Jesse had made 52 off 42, with four off his last 15 balls. New Zealand needed 20 off 27 before his slow period started; when he got out they needed eight off seven. New Zealand lost that game. Jesse, who had top-scored, got most of the blame.

A week later he was in trouble again. He was caught drinking late at night while injured. Team protocol had been violated, a small misdemeanour to any other player, but for Jesse this was huge. The man with the soft hands and massive frame had again found a way to make himself a punchline and a target.
Klee was back under the pump again, editorials were written, John Wright's patience had been tested, the New Zealand team felt let down, and Jesse would not make a return to Test cricket against the South Africans.

What New Zealand fans would have expected would follow was for Jesse to apologise through Klee and say he was going to do better in the future. Then a few months later he'd do the same thing all over again. With perhaps another injury in between.

But this time the announcement was different. He decided to take a break instead. This was a decision that Jesse, Klee, Karen Nimmo (Jesse's clinical psychologist) and Heath Mills (CEO of NZPCA) came up with. It was an indefinite, break but seemed more definite than any apology or hollow statements that had come from, or been attributed to, Jesse in the past. It was as if Jesse had finally had enough of what his career had become and was now trying to get his whole life back on track.

Jesse has demons. And Jesse needs to work on those demons far away from the press and public. This decision was the right one for him. He shouldn't feel the need to rush back, he is only 27. He should devote all his time and resources into just getting himself right.

One day I hope Jesse Ryder is happy. If he comes back to cricket, and I can see that happiness and a few wonderful shots through the offside, that would be a treat. But if not, I just hope that the guy who brought me joy, finds his own. The man has a great smile; I hope he finds many reasons to use it in the future.

So .....'Ryder was recovering from a split webbing in his hand and Bracewell from a hamstring injury; team protocol dictated that players "rehabilitating from injury should not consume alcohol.'.... and they were dropped.

NZ guidelines seemed to be based on the principles established by primary school teachers. Perhaps the powers of admin should try 'people management' based on general, common sense guidelines and then the players may have an incentive to behave like adults.

I sense that Domenach [the French Soccer coach who suffered rebellion at the last World Cup] has a career in World cricket awaiting him.

International sportmen have endless restrictions on their activities - what could be more natural than going out for a brew when you have some time off. The healing process is probably assisted by some down-time - not by lugging the chains of restraint around 24 hours a day.

dummy4fb
on March 22, 2012, 8:13 GMT

come on jesse ryder fitness shudn't b the only criteria to play cricket!!!!!!!obesse people can run n can manage test matches where game is not so action packed !!!

krik8crazy
on March 22, 2012, 3:23 GMT

Jesse the batsman is a joy to watch. On the field he seems like a cheerful fellow who likes to have fun. I hope that he sorts out his issues and finds peace and happiness in whatever he does - whether it is playing cricket or doing something else. All the best Jesse, I am rooting for you!

dummy4fb
on March 22, 2012, 2:35 GMT

Could be one of the best in the world and up there with the likes of M.Crowe as far as talent and influence in a NZ side. Love watching this guy bat but I guess as a top sportsman you don't really have the liberty of going out and getting on the booze like most 80% of mid-20 Kiwi guys like to do on a regular basis. He needs to make a choice as he''s already missed a lot of cricket. Thing is he is a target for the public now, if he is out with mates and just chilling out some drunk moron will give him stick and that will proably lead to an issue in itself. Just hope he does what ever he needs to do be in grow up / get fit / become more dedicated / give up booze .... or whatever cos this guy is the man with the bat and it'll be a real waste if he doesn't play much more for NZ or keeps having issues. If I were him I'd play hard for NZ, retire in a few years and then take some lucarative 20/20 contract. If he doesnt sort himself he'll have none of that!

bender6
on March 21, 2012, 23:09 GMT

great stuff, i beleive Jesse could be our Inzamam, I've loved him since he was incandesent with rage after getting out for 201 in a test match in Napier (i think), 201! and he was upset- class that is
I also think like some Hurricane rugby players, he could do with moving out of wellington, perhaps to Dunedin to cure his off-feild problems- get well soon jesse

MonkeyMann
on March 21, 2012, 20:07 GMT

Great article Jarrod. Yes, we all want to see JR work his magic on the field again, but if that doesn't happen, let's wish him all the best to move on and enjoy his life.

PanGlupek
on March 21, 2012, 17:20 GMT

@Rahul_78: I know you were just making an analogy (and maybe a fair one), but can you imagine a guy with Jesse's physique playing football or basketball? Hahaha!

12th_man
on March 21, 2012, 17:07 GMT

Jesse is without doubt extremely talented he just needs good people around him to support him. Perhaps Parore or a larger than life character like Greatbatch would be willing to take him under their wing and help him become super fit and then we may well have another batsman as good as Martin Crowe in the team.
Take your chances JR, they won't come around again.

roarster
on March 21, 2012, 10:43 GMT

@ kamerryn - " If Jesse were in Australia he'd just be a lovable larrikin and his hijinks would simply build his cult status......" Not sure if a certain Mr Symonds would wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment! I do think that the antics of likes of Symonds and Ryder are no better or worse than those of their predecessors (Botham, Boon, et al) it's just the frenzied media environment that they've found themselves operating in that highlights the lowlights. The make up of a cricket or any sports team should be a cross section of the country/society they are representing. As such there is bound to be the occasional loose cannon. If we spent our time focussing on these mavericks day jobs rather than the extracurricular activities that we are force fed, then there would be far more scope and tolerance for allsorts.

Rahul_78
on March 21, 2012, 8:19 GMT

Jesse has a bit of a rock star persona. It is unfortunate that he is playing cricket instead of Soccer or Basketball where bad boys are adored. Jesse is a difficult beast for the game of cricket. In today's professional environment his kind of cricketers will always have a problems. Remember supremely talented Andrew Symonds anyone? Jarrod is absolutely right. Jesse needs to find his inner mojo first and then needs to decide weather he wants to continue to play professional cricket.

pietrojackson
on March 23, 2012, 16:05 GMT

So .....'Ryder was recovering from a split webbing in his hand and Bracewell from a hamstring injury; team protocol dictated that players "rehabilitating from injury should not consume alcohol.'.... and they were dropped.

NZ guidelines seemed to be based on the principles established by primary school teachers. Perhaps the powers of admin should try 'people management' based on general, common sense guidelines and then the players may have an incentive to behave like adults.

I sense that Domenach [the French Soccer coach who suffered rebellion at the last World Cup] has a career in World cricket awaiting him.

International sportmen have endless restrictions on their activities - what could be more natural than going out for a brew when you have some time off. The healing process is probably assisted by some down-time - not by lugging the chains of restraint around 24 hours a day.

dummy4fb
on March 22, 2012, 8:13 GMT

come on jesse ryder fitness shudn't b the only criteria to play cricket!!!!!!!obesse people can run n can manage test matches where game is not so action packed !!!

krik8crazy
on March 22, 2012, 3:23 GMT

Jesse the batsman is a joy to watch. On the field he seems like a cheerful fellow who likes to have fun. I hope that he sorts out his issues and finds peace and happiness in whatever he does - whether it is playing cricket or doing something else. All the best Jesse, I am rooting for you!

dummy4fb
on March 22, 2012, 2:35 GMT

Could be one of the best in the world and up there with the likes of M.Crowe as far as talent and influence in a NZ side. Love watching this guy bat but I guess as a top sportsman you don't really have the liberty of going out and getting on the booze like most 80% of mid-20 Kiwi guys like to do on a regular basis. He needs to make a choice as he''s already missed a lot of cricket. Thing is he is a target for the public now, if he is out with mates and just chilling out some drunk moron will give him stick and that will proably lead to an issue in itself. Just hope he does what ever he needs to do be in grow up / get fit / become more dedicated / give up booze .... or whatever cos this guy is the man with the bat and it'll be a real waste if he doesn't play much more for NZ or keeps having issues. If I were him I'd play hard for NZ, retire in a few years and then take some lucarative 20/20 contract. If he doesnt sort himself he'll have none of that!

bender6
on March 21, 2012, 23:09 GMT

great stuff, i beleive Jesse could be our Inzamam, I've loved him since he was incandesent with rage after getting out for 201 in a test match in Napier (i think), 201! and he was upset- class that is
I also think like some Hurricane rugby players, he could do with moving out of wellington, perhaps to Dunedin to cure his off-feild problems- get well soon jesse

MonkeyMann
on March 21, 2012, 20:07 GMT

Great article Jarrod. Yes, we all want to see JR work his magic on the field again, but if that doesn't happen, let's wish him all the best to move on and enjoy his life.

PanGlupek
on March 21, 2012, 17:20 GMT

@Rahul_78: I know you were just making an analogy (and maybe a fair one), but can you imagine a guy with Jesse's physique playing football or basketball? Hahaha!

12th_man
on March 21, 2012, 17:07 GMT

Jesse is without doubt extremely talented he just needs good people around him to support him. Perhaps Parore or a larger than life character like Greatbatch would be willing to take him under their wing and help him become super fit and then we may well have another batsman as good as Martin Crowe in the team.
Take your chances JR, they won't come around again.

roarster
on March 21, 2012, 10:43 GMT

@ kamerryn - " If Jesse were in Australia he'd just be a lovable larrikin and his hijinks would simply build his cult status......" Not sure if a certain Mr Symonds would wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment! I do think that the antics of likes of Symonds and Ryder are no better or worse than those of their predecessors (Botham, Boon, et al) it's just the frenzied media environment that they've found themselves operating in that highlights the lowlights. The make up of a cricket or any sports team should be a cross section of the country/society they are representing. As such there is bound to be the occasional loose cannon. If we spent our time focussing on these mavericks day jobs rather than the extracurricular activities that we are force fed, then there would be far more scope and tolerance for allsorts.

Rahul_78
on March 21, 2012, 8:19 GMT

Jesse has a bit of a rock star persona. It is unfortunate that he is playing cricket instead of Soccer or Basketball where bad boys are adored. Jesse is a difficult beast for the game of cricket. In today's professional environment his kind of cricketers will always have a problems. Remember supremely talented Andrew Symonds anyone? Jarrod is absolutely right. Jesse needs to find his inner mojo first and then needs to decide weather he wants to continue to play professional cricket.

kamerryn
on March 21, 2012, 7:58 GMT

The whole thing with Jesse is ridiculous and stems largely from the fact that NZ has so few people of genuine note that we're forced to hold sportsmen up as role models. If Jesse were in Australia he'd just be a lovable larrikin and his hijinks would simply build his cult status rather than become the albatross around his neck that they have. Can you imagine David Boon and his 52 cans of beer getting such grief from his public? Ian Botham is another great who was no angel.

WHO CARES what these guys get up to? They're not there to be role models, they're there to play the game of cricket.

It's particularly ironic that the poor guy has become the focus of such negative, po-faced disapproval for his drinking in New Zealand of all places - hardly a nation of teetotalers.

Frankly I don't care if he sleeps in a vat of scotch every night so long as he's happy, healthy, and playing good cricket.

Rag-Aaron
on March 21, 2012, 7:45 GMT

Great piece Jarrod - and much more pleasurable and insightful to read than the ugly tub thumping that has been going on over here in NZ since the most recent fateful night. Thank you.

harmske
on March 21, 2012, 6:36 GMT

Great article. Hope Jesse is able to get things back on track.

champion1469
on March 21, 2012, 6:15 GMT

agree totally. jesse is a freak of a player. ridiculuos talent that needs to be harnessed but unfortunately its not up to others, jesse needs to do it for himself. nz need him badly in the middle order in all formats. plenty of potential for nz with latham, williamson, ryder, guptill, mccullum, and taylor all set to be around for much longer if they really want to. exciting times ahead

cricket_wins
on March 21, 2012, 5:50 GMT

Talented players succumbing to indiscipline issues is not a new thing in cricket. Many believe some on that infamous list are even more talented than others who have ended up playing for their countries. Jesse Ryder has an advantage - he has those examples to learn from. He has those incidents and those players as a reference. Drinking problems, temper issues, womanizing - all these are not new to the demanding world of sport. It is entirely in Jesse's hands if he wants to be known as the talented player who got his act right and prolonged his career with NZ; or as the immensely talented guy who was poised for greater things but never made it. I seriously hope he gets his priorities right and puts his game above every other little thing. Good luck JR - NZ would really do well with a renewed JR in their ranks!

No featured comments at the moment.

cricket_wins
on March 21, 2012, 5:50 GMT

Talented players succumbing to indiscipline issues is not a new thing in cricket. Many believe some on that infamous list are even more talented than others who have ended up playing for their countries. Jesse Ryder has an advantage - he has those examples to learn from. He has those incidents and those players as a reference. Drinking problems, temper issues, womanizing - all these are not new to the demanding world of sport. It is entirely in Jesse's hands if he wants to be known as the talented player who got his act right and prolonged his career with NZ; or as the immensely talented guy who was poised for greater things but never made it. I seriously hope he gets his priorities right and puts his game above every other little thing. Good luck JR - NZ would really do well with a renewed JR in their ranks!

champion1469
on March 21, 2012, 6:15 GMT

agree totally. jesse is a freak of a player. ridiculuos talent that needs to be harnessed but unfortunately its not up to others, jesse needs to do it for himself. nz need him badly in the middle order in all formats. plenty of potential for nz with latham, williamson, ryder, guptill, mccullum, and taylor all set to be around for much longer if they really want to. exciting times ahead

harmske
on March 21, 2012, 6:36 GMT

Great article. Hope Jesse is able to get things back on track.

Rag-Aaron
on March 21, 2012, 7:45 GMT

Great piece Jarrod - and much more pleasurable and insightful to read than the ugly tub thumping that has been going on over here in NZ since the most recent fateful night. Thank you.

kamerryn
on March 21, 2012, 7:58 GMT

The whole thing with Jesse is ridiculous and stems largely from the fact that NZ has so few people of genuine note that we're forced to hold sportsmen up as role models. If Jesse were in Australia he'd just be a lovable larrikin and his hijinks would simply build his cult status rather than become the albatross around his neck that they have. Can you imagine David Boon and his 52 cans of beer getting such grief from his public? Ian Botham is another great who was no angel.

WHO CARES what these guys get up to? They're not there to be role models, they're there to play the game of cricket.

It's particularly ironic that the poor guy has become the focus of such negative, po-faced disapproval for his drinking in New Zealand of all places - hardly a nation of teetotalers.

Frankly I don't care if he sleeps in a vat of scotch every night so long as he's happy, healthy, and playing good cricket.

Rahul_78
on March 21, 2012, 8:19 GMT

Jesse has a bit of a rock star persona. It is unfortunate that he is playing cricket instead of Soccer or Basketball where bad boys are adored. Jesse is a difficult beast for the game of cricket. In today's professional environment his kind of cricketers will always have a problems. Remember supremely talented Andrew Symonds anyone? Jarrod is absolutely right. Jesse needs to find his inner mojo first and then needs to decide weather he wants to continue to play professional cricket.

roarster
on March 21, 2012, 10:43 GMT

@ kamerryn - " If Jesse were in Australia he'd just be a lovable larrikin and his hijinks would simply build his cult status......" Not sure if a certain Mr Symonds would wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment! I do think that the antics of likes of Symonds and Ryder are no better or worse than those of their predecessors (Botham, Boon, et al) it's just the frenzied media environment that they've found themselves operating in that highlights the lowlights. The make up of a cricket or any sports team should be a cross section of the country/society they are representing. As such there is bound to be the occasional loose cannon. If we spent our time focussing on these mavericks day jobs rather than the extracurricular activities that we are force fed, then there would be far more scope and tolerance for allsorts.

12th_man
on March 21, 2012, 17:07 GMT

Jesse is without doubt extremely talented he just needs good people around him to support him. Perhaps Parore or a larger than life character like Greatbatch would be willing to take him under their wing and help him become super fit and then we may well have another batsman as good as Martin Crowe in the team.
Take your chances JR, they won't come around again.

PanGlupek
on March 21, 2012, 17:20 GMT

@Rahul_78: I know you were just making an analogy (and maybe a fair one), but can you imagine a guy with Jesse's physique playing football or basketball? Hahaha!

MonkeyMann
on March 21, 2012, 20:07 GMT

Great article Jarrod. Yes, we all want to see JR work his magic on the field again, but if that doesn't happen, let's wish him all the best to move on and enjoy his life.